Review of Lake Akan marimo
How about keeping marimo as a living interior decoration?
Nickname: karadin
Satisfaction: [star rating=”5″]
The souvenir I would like to introduce is marimo, the round green algae for which Lake Akan is famous. On the lake bottom, algae can be rolled repeatedly by water currents over many years until they grow into large, almost perfectly spherical forms.
Unfortunately, the giant marimo that naturally inhabit Lake Akan are designated as a protected natural monument. Collecting them is prohibited, so visitors cannot simply take genuine Lake Akan specimens home as souvenirs.
The marimo I purchased was sold in the shopping area near Lake Akan. Many products on display were cultivated or artificially shaped marimo. Among them, however, I noticed some unusually large specimens with less regular outlines. According to the shop, these were not artificial balls but genuine natural marimo.
That raised an obvious question: if collecting marimo from Lake Akan is prohibited, where did these natural ones come from? I learned that some were imported from Russia, crossing the sea to reach Hokkaido. Russia is geographically close to northern Japan, which may make such trade more practical than it first sounds.
Although an imported marimo is not literally a Lake Akan organism, the most surprising point was its price. Natural marimo used to be extremely expensive, yet prices have reportedly fallen considerably. This change is not widely known, so many travelers may assume that every natural-looking marimo is rare and unaffordable.
Anyone purchasing one should confirm its origin and follow the care instructions supplied by the shop. Marimo generally needs clean, cool water and protection from strong direct sunlight. With suitable care, its deep green color and slow growth can be enjoyed for a long time.
Instead of an ordinary houseplant, why not keep a marimo in a glass container? It is compact, unusual and closely connected with the image of Lake Akan, making it both a conversation piece and a peaceful reminder of Hokkaido.
Lake Akan Marimo Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Lake Akan Marimo |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | |
| Address | |
| Expiration Date | |
| Place of Purchase | |
| Price |
